ILLEGAL: Cannabis is currently banned in the UK and users could face jail time

“What I'm advocating is a progressive and reasonable, compassionate society where you can access pain relief”

Laura Brennan-Whitefield

She said: "What I'm advocating is a progressive and reasonable, compassionate society where you can access pain relief.

"It has become very clear to me over these last nine years that many people living with MS have been using cannabis to help with the symptoms of that condition, in fact it's one of the worst kept secrets at the hospital.

"All of these people risk a criminal record, unlike in Australia, Chile, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Romania and some US states.

"We as a developed western nation are fast becoming behind the times, we are the odd ones out."

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CALLS: Nicola Sturgeon's SNP voted to legalise cannabis

Countries who legalised cannabis

Thursday, 12th November 2015

Cannabis is legal and has been decriminalised in countries around the world, take a look at some of the surprising countries involved.

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Since 1994 cannabis in Colombia has been legal for possession

Currently cannabis is a class B drug, with people facing up to five years in jail for possessing it.

People involved in supply or production risk up to 14 years in prison.

"I don't think someone who is in pain should be criminalised for trying to ease that pain," Ms Brennan-Whitefield said.

"I am talking about the medical use only of cannabis, and it's that medical use that is wider than just MS - arthritis, cancer, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, palliative care, have all been shown to benefit from cannabis medication."

She added: "Let's lead with our hearts and with our minds by demanding the devolution of power to allow us to address this issue."